Ruby's Secret: A Novelette

by Helen Libby

Can you keep a secret? All the clothes Ruby’s bought may have filled her wardrobe, but they haven’t helped her to feel fulfilled. She’s been holding back on her dream of travelling for years.

And now Ruby’s in debt. A LOT of debt. She’s so ashamed. She doesn’t want anyone to know, not even her boyfriend, David. He’s so careful with money – he wouldn’t understand.

Ruby’s trying to change. She wants financial stability AND a good relationship. Will she be able to resolve her debt before David discovers her secret?

Kindle Edition

About the author

Helen was born in North Wales and she currently lives in Shropshire with her husband, Simon, and her Zuchon dog, Archie. She has always loved writing stories, ever since she attempted to write a short story collection in the style of Enid Blyton when she was 12.

Reviews

[Laurie Buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby's got a secret. In this unsparing book of self-reflection, Ruby reflects on how shopping overtook her life and became an addiction. More importantly, what she did to control and ultimately surmount it. A sweet, heartfelt story that reinforces wise life choices.

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out Of My Debt is a 'novelette' (54 pages) debut from author, Helen Libby. Living in the Highland village of Aviemurchus, Ruby has a lot going for her - a loving family and partner, great friends, and she loves her job as a librarian. The problem is that nobody knows the extent to which her compulsive shopping habits have got her into this debt. Neither do they really understand her desire to travel; other than university in Edinburgh, Ruby hasn't been very far and seeing Italy is at the top of her wish-list. David, a great boyfriend in every other way, just doesn't see the point. Ruby buys things because it's so easy on-line, it gives her a buzz, and undoubtedly it fills a hole in her life. Dealing with the debt is one thing and but understanding and accepting why she has it is another.

Unlike a novel, where the length offers itself to a more leisurely, sometimes tangential, pace, in a novelette (or novella) there has to be one main story with any sub-plots feeding into it - but it shouldn't be too one-dimensional! No easy feat, but Helen Libby manages it very well. The theme of the novel - Ruby and her debt - is central and the reasons, repercussions, and relationships around that add the layers that make it a satisfying read.

Ruby is engaging and honest and her plans are realistic. The supporting characters, from Mrs M (the library's best customer) to Jennie, Ruby's best friend, are well developed. If David is a little bit too morally outraged, it's deliberate - he gives the other side of the story. The story's setting too, is a pleasant change. We get a sense of small town, Highland life , with all it's pros and cons and it's a clear reminder that things like debt are not the preserve of people in the city and suburbs. Without ever being a 'how to' book, it also has a few clear ideas about how to deal with debt - Libby has certainly done her research but carefully limits it to relevant details.

If you find short stories too short but don't always want to commit to a novel on your Kindle, Out of My Debt is just the thing.